Did You Know...

04-18-05 Thank you to everyone who attended the Drug-Free Community Coalition meeting on the 11th. The topic was Meth and the presentation really opened many peoples eyes to this epidemic and what it can do to communities. The response to the presentation was very positive and included several requests for us to present it again. Look for announcements on future Meth presentions and other Community Coalition events. I would also like to thank everyone who attended and helped with the Bicycle Rodeo last Saturday. This was the first event for the new Vernonia Bike Safety Program. The event started slow with the cold and rainy weather but as the clouds parted the rodeo really picked up. Several people participated in the rodeo which included bike inspections, safety information, a safety course, reduced price helmet sales, helmet inspections, bike registration, raffle for new bikes, and lots of other activities. The police department sold $154.00 in helmets for children and adults. Bike helmets, equestrian helmets, snow boarding helmets, and other safety gear can be purchased at reduced prices or obtained for free (with financial need) from Chief Workman at the police department. Thank you to the following contributors that helped make the rodeo possible; Police Volunteer Pat Stipe, Vernonia Fire Dept., Metro-West Ambulance Volunteers, West Oregon Electric Co., US Bank, State Farm Insurance Agent Joel Avina, Columbia 911 Communications District, Community Cycling Center, Boise Paper Products, St. Helens Community Federal Credit Union, Bicycle Transportation Alliance, Oregon Department of Transportation, "Kids That Care" Leadership Class, Washington Grade School, and the St. Helens Police Department. I want to make this an annual event and will work throughout the year to educate everyone on bicycle safety. Look for the Vernonia Bike Safety display and helmet sales at upcoming community events.